Learn me on Fiber Channel

[phreaqe]

at my work we have a EMC Clarion CX310 SAN connected with Fiberchannel to 4 HP dl380 servers.. we are planning to add another server attached to it and the only question i have is the fiber channel card. When i am trying to spec out the new server HP does not offer the same model number as we currently have.

so the question is, are fiber channel cards like network cards where any card should work as long as the plug is the same? i know it has to be dual port, but that is all i know. please forgive my noobness. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[zuffy]

I would keep the fibre cards to the brand you are using now with the Clariion (i.e., Emulex, Qlogic). Also, make sure that brand/model support your SAN.

 

[her209]

Theoretically, any FC HBA should work as FC is a standard protocol.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Theoretically, any FC HBA should work as FC is a standard protocol.

Applications that require Fibre Channel tend to be supported by vendors with very strict requirements on the type of equipment used in the system. Although the OP can install any random FC HBA into his server and it will probably work, it could very well invalidate any warranty or support agreement for the application or the system hardware.

To the OP, check with your application vendor to ensure that any FC HBAs (as well as their firmware) you add to the system are supported.

 

[phreaqe]

I would keep the fibre cards to the brand you are using now with the Clariion (i.e., Emulex, Qlogic). Also, make sure that brand/model support your SAN.

the quote i was getting was the same brand(Qlogic). i dont remember the exact model numbers, but what we have is something like 2232 and the model i was going to get was 2242 or something like that. is seems like they have a new version of the card we previously bought.

 

[phreaqe]

Applications that require Fibre Channel tend to be supported by vendors with very strict requirements on the type of equipment used in the system. Although the OP can install any random FC HBA into his server and it will probably work, it could very well invalidate any warranty or support agreement for the application or the system hardware.

To the OP, check with your application vendor to ensure that any FC HBAs (as well as their firmware) you add to the system are supported.

i guess i will call HP first to see what they say and if they cant give me an answer then i will have to call EMC and see what they say. i looked for a list on there website and did not see anything useful.